Challenge

A new bridge was required at Far Moor Nr Horton in Ribblesdale to carry pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders over the River Ribble on the 350 mile Pennine Bridleway National Trail.

CTS Bridges was appointed as specialist subcontractor by main contractor Houseman and Falshaw to plan and execute the construction of the bridge on site along with supplying all the bridge materials.

Measuring 53x2.5m, the Far Moor bridleway bridge is the largest example of a stress laminated construction in the world.

The beautiful, but extremely remote rural setting influenced the choice of bridge type. Access for heavy machinery or cranes to the site was not possible so it was agreed the bridge should be made using stress laminated construction.

It was essential that the bridge was sympathetic to the surrounding environment.

The design of the bridge was carried out by Forestry Commission Civil Engineers on behalf of the end client – the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Solution

CTS were selected to supply and install all the timber for the bridge along with the pre-stressing bars and associated washer and plank required to carry out the pre-stressing.

CTS's installation teams worked for 8 weeks in the remote area in all weather conditions to successfully erect the bridge on time.

Outcome

The stress laminated construction meant that the new bridge was completed without damage to the surrounding environment. The large spans were formed from short lengths of timber that were carried by hand and lifted into position.

The all timber construction blends in well with the natural surroundings and because the structure used only small timber pieces they were sourced by the Forestry Commission from forests within the United Kingdom.

The new bridge has been well received by the client and other interested parties.

The innovative nature of the project was recognised in the nominations for the Wood Awards 2011 and British Construction Industry Awards.